Jordan Neely’s family lawyers say they will ‘hold the MTA and its killer accountable’ – as Alvin Bragg’s office weighs charges against the ‘vigilante’ marine veteran who put him in a deadly stranglehold
- Jordan Neely died Monday after being held in a stranglehold by Daniel Penny
- Penny, a Marine veteran, says he was trying to protect other passengers
The Jordan Neely family, the homeless man who died after being put in a stranglehold by a Marine Corps veteran on Monday, has hired a law firm to hold “the MTA and its killer” responsible for his death.
Neely, 30, was homeless, schizophrenic and “self-medicated with K2” before his death, according to members of his family.
On Monday, he was held in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine Corps veteran who says he behaved “threateningly” and posed a risk to the other passengers on the train.
Penny held Neely for 15 minutes, according to some passengers on the train. He died and the New York medical examiner’s office has ruled his death a homicide.
Jordan Neely, 30, was a Michael Jackson impersonator, self-medicated with K2 to treat his depression when he choked on a New York subway, his uncle claimed
Penny was questioned Monday but has not been arrested. His lawyers say they have contacted the NYPD and the district attorney’s office to cooperate with the investigation
Now Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is weighing the charges against Penny. A grand jury is likely to be selected next week.
Neely’s family demands justice. In a statement, their new attorneys from Mills & Edwards said: “We understand that our current times have created a heightened sense of anxiety (sometimes reasonable, sometimes not.)
“However, there should be a clear line of when deadly force can be used by anyone, including civilians.”
‘Mr. Neely suffered from a mental illness that started at the age of 14 when he witnessed the brutal murder of his mother.
“It is a tragedy for all of us to know that Jordan Neely’s life was also cut short.
“Mills & Edwards is determined to hold the MTA and Neely’s killer accountable.”
Penny’s attorneys for Raiser & Kenniff released a statement last night defending him.
Neely fell limp in Penny’s arms. When he stopped responding, Penny let go of him and stood up
“First of all, on behalf of Daniel Penny, we would like to express our condolences to Mr. Neely’s loved ones. Mr Neely had a documented history of violent and erratic behaviour, the apparent result of persistent and untreated mental illness
When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect himself until help arrived. Daniel never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not foresee his untimely death. ‘
They place the blame on New York City officials who have failed to address the mental health crisis among the homeless population.
“For too long, people with mental illness have been treated indifferently.
“We hope that out of this terrible tragedy comes a new commitment from our elected officials to address the mental health crisis on our streets and subways,” they said.
After being warned that Neely could die, Penny (left) and the other man who helped restrain him (right) continued to restrain him for several more seconds. He jumped up when Neely stopped responding